Steaming Lobster: Pour 2 inches of seawater or freshwater into a pot large enough to hold the lobsters. Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat. Place lobsters in the pot, cover tightly, return to a boil and start counting the time. To steam a lobster, the cooking time should be 13 minutes for the first pound. For lobsters larger than a pound, add another 3 minutes per pound.

Boiling Lobster: The number of lobsters being boiled will determine the kettle size. Fill the pot to one-half to not more than two-thirds full. Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat. Place lobsters head first into the pot, completely submerging them. Cover the pot tightly and return to a boil. When water boils, begin counting the time. Regulate the heat to prevent water from boiling over, but be sure to keep the liquid boiling throughout the cooking time. To boil a lobster, the cooking time should be 10 minutes for the first pound. For lobsters larger than a pound, add another 3 minutes per pound.